The day is Sunday, August 18 in the year 1968.

First Commencement held at Mattoon’s First Baptist Church (August 18, 1968):
79 graduates, mostly in the practical nursing and associate of science areas, earned the first degrees bestowed by the college. Illinois Senator Paul Simon, age 39 at the time, gave the commencement address, followed by a reception for graduates and their families immediately after the ceremony.

Mattoon Journal Gazette
December 10, 1968

Coles County Daily Times
August 13, 1968

Daily Times
August 19, 1968

Mattoon Journal Gazette
August 13, 1968

Journal Gazette
August 19, 1968

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